DESIGNATIONS Credentials that boost your qualifications — and what it takes to earn them

Accounting

CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant)

Description: The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) is the only regulated professional accounting body in the province of British Columbia. With over 38,000 CPA members and 6,000 CPA students and candidates, CPABC is responsible for the regulation and professional development of more than 215,000 CPAs across Canada and the globe, as well as the training and certification of CPA candidates.

Prerequisites: Four-year, 120-credit-hour university degree or equivalent, plus specific subject area coverage that can be met through approved programs in postsecondary institutions, or through the CPA Western School of Business. The prerequisite education consists of 14 modules; students complete only those courses they require.

Requirements: The CPA professional education program has six modules: Two core modules, which focus on the development of competencies in management and financial accounting, and the integration of six core technical competency areas – audit and assurance, finance, taxation, financial reporting, management accounting, and strategy and governance; two elective modules; and two final courses, which include a capstone integrative module that focuses on the development of leadership and professional skills, and a capstone examination preparation module. At the conclusion of the six modules, students write a common final exam. All CPA candidates must also complete relevant, progressive, practical experience that is approved by the CPA profession. Experience can be gained in pre-approved positions, or through the experience verification model, in which CPA candidates may work for an employer they choose.

Administering organization: Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (bccpa.ca).

Career Counselling

CCDP (certified career development practitioner)

Description: A CCDP knows career development, has skills and expertise in assessment and referral and has interpersonal competence in career development. A CCDP has skills and expertise in at least three of: Assessment, facilitated individual and group learning, career counselling, information and resource management, work development and community capacity building.

Requirements: Master’s degree in related field and at least one year’s related work experience; bachelor’s degree in related field and at least two years’ related work experience; diploma in career-development practice or related field and at least three years’ related work experience; certificate in career-development practice or related field or equivalent post-secondary education and at least four years’ related work experience; evidence of all core competencies and three areas of specialization; evidence of completing a course in ethics related to career development, counselling or adult education that includes at least 10 hours’ instructional time, as well as a course in careerdevelopment theory that includes at least 20 hours’ instructional time.

Administering organization: BC Career Development Association (bccda.org)

Editing

CPE (certified professional editor)

Description: Candidates can become CPEs or earn separate certifications in proofreading, copy editing, structural editing or stylistic editing.

Requirements: Passing of required tests (four tests for CPE designation). No formal requirements, but at least five years’ extensive editing work experience is recommended.

Administering organization: Editors’ Association of Canada (editors.ca)

Event Planning

CMP (certified meeting professional)

Description: Helps people employed in meeting management to pursue continuing education, increase involvement with industry and gain industry-wide recognition.

Requirements: Three years’ work experience in the industry, having been employed within the last 12 months; a degree in meeting, event, exhibition or hospitality/tourism management and two years’ work experience; three years’ full-time instruction experience in a meeting or hospitality university program. Completion of 25 hours’ continuing education or completion of an approved internship or apprenticeship in the industry with a minimum of 200 hours of work experience, along with a written exam.

Administering organization: Events Industry Council (eventscouncil.org).

CSEP (CERTIFIED SPECIAL EVENTS PROFESSIONAL)

Description: This designation recognizes event professionals who have successfully demonstrated the knowledge, skills and ability essential to perform all components of a special event.

Requirements: To qualify for the CSEP exam, a candidate must have a minimum three years’ full-time professional employment in the special events industry. Documentation of work experience is required. The exam is a 4.5-hour computer-based examination scored either pass or fail and consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions and a written portion, both based on the CSEP content outline.

Administering organization: International Live Events Association (ileahub.com)

DMCP

(destination management certified professional)

Requirements: To qualify as a candidate an individual must have experience in the field of Destination Management plus a combination of education and involvement. Accepted candidates must pass a 150-question, multiple-choice exam based on the book, Best Practices in Destination Management.

Administering organization: Association of Destination Management Executives International (admei.org)

Executive Coaching

ACC (associate certified coach), PCC (professional certified coach), MCC (master certified coach)

Description: The International Coaching Federation (ICF) establishes and administers minimum standards for credentialing professional coaches and coachtraining agencies. A coach credentialed by the ICF has coach-specific training, has achieved a designated number of hours of experience and has been coached by a mentor coach.

Requirements: Vary by designation; for details, see coachingfederation.org/credentials-and-standards Administering organization: ICF (coachingfederation. org)

Family Enterprise Advising

FEA (family enterprise advisor)

Description: The Family Enterprise Advisor designation demonstrates an advisor’s commitment to excellence in family enterprise advising. Granted to experienced lawyers, wealth managers, accountants, facilitators and family therapists, the designation represents a substantial opportunity in a marketplace where more than 80 per cent of businesses are family-owned.

Requirements: Completion of the Family Enterprise Advisor program, possession of a professional designation or equivalent, passing of the written and oral components of the designation exam. The multidisciplinary approach teaches advisors to integrate their own disciplines with others to provide collaborative and complementary advice to business family clients, all of whom must navigate the unique challenges of family dynamics, governance, communication and succession planning.

Administering organization: Family Enterprise Canada (familyenterprise.ca)

Finance And Insurance

CAIB (Canadian accredited insurance broker), CPIB (Canadian professional insurance broker), CCIB (Canadian certified insurance broker)

Description of CAIB: The Insurance Brokers Association of BC (IBABC) offers the CAIB program through provincial member associations. Designed for property and casualty insurance brokers, CAIB provides insurance knowledge to develop competence and enhance career opportunities. Four course modules constitute the program and cover personal and commercial lines of insurance plus brokerage management skills. Each course culminates in a national exam. Courses prepare students to meet B.C. licensing requirements.

Requirements for CAIB: Completion of four course volumes and exams. Employment by insurance brokerage that is a member of a provincial brokers’ association that is, in turn, a member of Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC).

Description of CPIB: The senior designation program developed by IBAC and its provincial member associations is specifically designed for property and casualty insurance brokers. The program has three distinct streams: personal lines, commercial lines and broker management. To earn the CPIB designation, students must complete the three mandatory courses and any three of the elective courses in the stream of their choice.

Description of CCIB: CCIB is a senior designation designed for commercial insurance brokers who have already completed their CAIB. The CCIB program is a self-study program involving three exams, which are all practical and experience-based.

Administering organization: IBABC (ibabc.org)

CCP (certified credit professional)

Description: The CCP designation is recognized as a symbol of excellence in credit management. The program is delivered online. The credit basics program (also offered online) can be used as a stepping-stone to this certification.

Requirements: Completion of required courses in financial accounting fundamentals, credit management, micro/macroeconomics, corporate finance fundamentals, business communications, managing credit with information technology, Canadian credit law and advanced credit management. Transfer credits applicable.

Ongoing requirements: Continued membership and participation in a continuing professional development

Professional Designations

program.

Administering organization: Credit Institute of Canada (creditinstitute.org)

CFP (certified financial planner)

Requirements: Completion of core curriculum program approved by the Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC), agreement to abide by FPSC code of ethics and maintain registration in registered candidate program, passing of financial planning examination Level 1, at least one year full-time (or equivalent) financial planning work experience, completion of an FPSC-approved capstone course, passing of financial planning examination Level 2 and at least two additional years’ full-time (or equivalent) financial planning work experience. Total financial planning work experience must be at least three years. Candidates who qualify under approved prior credential policy (those who hold CA, CGA, CMA, CFA, CLU or FCIA designations, have PhDs in finance, economics or business or are members of provincial law society) must still complete both exams and successfully complete the capstone course. For all candidates, there is a maximum of four attempts on financial planning examinations. Candidates must meet other administrative requirements and abide by maintenance requirements.

Ongoing requirements: Annual renewal of licence by 30 hours’ continuing education, continued agreement to abide by FPSC code of ethics and adhere to the Marks Use Guide for Canadian CFP Professionals.

Administering organization: FP Canada Standards Council (fpcanada.ca)

CIP (chartered insurance professional), FCIP (fellow chartered insurance professional)

Description of CIP: Comprehensive designation program for property and casualty insurance that integrates practical and theoretical knowledge and features concentrations for underwriters, brokers/ agents and adjusters.

Requirements for CIP: Ten courses taken in class, online or by distance learning, five being mandatory, three applied-professional and two elective (chosen from more than 30 available courses).

Costs for CIP: See insuranceinstitute.ca/en/cip-fcipdesignations/cip/fees.

Description of FCIP: Designed to promote leadership skills, the FCIP program provides a comprehensive business education with a specific property and casualty insurance focus.

Requirements for FCIP: Prior completion of CIP course and work experience requirements; current Insurance Institute membership, current CIP membership (for CIP graduates) and an undergraduate degree from a Canadian university or equivalent. (An alternate route is available for those with a college diploma.) Completion of FCIP program consists of six courses (delivered online): Strategy in the P&C Insurance Sector, Leading in the Insurance World, Financial Management for Insurance Leaders, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) in the Insurance Sector, Emerging Issues: Implications for the P&C Insurance Leader, and Integrative Learning for the P&C Insurance Sector (a work-based capstone project). Five years’ relevant work experience by completion of the program. Administering organizations: Insurance Institute of BC, Insurance Institute of Canada (insuranceinstitute. ca).

ECBA (entry certificate in business analysis), CCBA (certification of competency in business analysis), CBAP (certified business analysis professional)

Description: The International Institute of Business Analysis has launched a new global multi-level certification program. This competency-based program recognizes BA professionals’ knowledge and skills. For more information, visit iiba.org/certification-recognition Administering organization: International Institute of Business Analysis (iiba.org).

Graphic Design

CDP (certified design professional)

Description: Awarded to practising designer who has completed at least six years of combined graphic design education and professional practice and whose work and professional integrity are of acceptable standards. Requirements: A combination of education, relevant experience and having the work peer reviewed by the National Certification Board. Administering organization: Design Professionals of Canada (descan.ca).

Home Inspection

Licensed home inspector

Description: Home inspectors must be licensed in British Columbia. Licensing and regulation are conducted by Consumer Protection BC.

Requirements: Candidate must hold appropriate designation from the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC, Canadian National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, National Home Inspector Certification Council or Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors BC. As of September 1, 2016, membership in a home inspection association is no longer required. Disclosure of any criminal history, insurance coverage, peer recommendation letter and 50 hours of home inspection with an approved trainer also required. For a complete list of licensing requirements, visit homeinspectionrightsbc.ca.

Administering organization: Consumer Protection BC (consumerprotectionbc.ca)

Human Resources

CPHR (chartered professional in human resources)

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and successful completion of National Knowledge Exam (NKE), plus a completed experience assessment validated by current employer. This assessment must prove: a minimum of three years working in an HR role within the last 10 years (at least one year must be within Canada), and experience gained using technical HR knowledge and a level of autonomy in the application of HR knowledge. It is not necessary to be a manager or supervisor. Experience covers at least two of the seven required professional capabilities. Membership in Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) required. Recertification required every three years by reassessment or with 100 points for professional development activities and experience from various categories.

Administering organization: CPHR (cphrbc.ca)

PHR (professional in human resources), SPHR (senior professional in human resources), GPHR (global professional in human resources)

Requirements for PHR: One year’s demonstrated professional HR experience with master’s degree or higher; two years’ demonstrated professional HR experience with bachelor’s degree; or four years’ demonstrated professional HR experience with less than a bachelor’s degree. Three-hour, 175-question multiple-choice exam.

Requirements for SPHR: Four years’ demonstrated professional HR experience with master’s degree or higher; five years’ demonstrated professional HR experience with bachelor’s; or seven years’ demonstrated professional HR experience with less than a bachelor’s. Three-hour, 175-question multiplechoice exam.

Requirements for GPHR: Two years’ demonstrated global professional HR experience with a master’s degree or higher; three years’ demonstrated professional HR experience (with two of the three being global HR experience) with bachelor’s; or four years’ demonstrated professional HR experience (with two of the four being global HR experience) with less than a bachelor’s. Three-hour, 165-question multiple-choice exam. Certification exams occur twice a year. Recertification required after three years by accumulation of 60 credit hours of HR-related continuing education activities prior to end of the three years or by retaking of exam.

Administering organization: Human Resource Certification Institute (hrci.org).

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CITP (certified international trade professional)

Requirements: Minimum one year’s professional international trade experience. Completion of the Forum for International Trade Training program (FITTskills) or equivalent thereof. There are eight FITTskills courses, each requiring approximately 45 hours of classroom instruction. Completion of all eight earns candidate the Forum for International Trade Training diploma in international trade. FITTskills courses are available at partner learning institutions from seasoned international trade professionals or online. Exemptions from course requirements available through prior learning assessment and recognition process, which provides credit for previous work experience and/or education. Adherence to standards of ethical conduct. Designees must maintain membership in good standing. Members must engage in ongoing professional development. Please note: As of Jan. 1, 2023, all applicants for the certified international trade professional (CITP|FIBP) designation must meet new ISO 17024-compliant certification program requirements.

Administering organization: FITT (fittfortrade.com).

Law

B.C.-practising lawyer

Description: Membership in the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC) required for eligibility to practise law. Eligible lawyers from other jurisdictions may practise in B.C. temporarily.

Requirements: To become a lawyer for the first time, a person must complete a law degree from a Canadian common-law university or obtain a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation if the law degree is not a Canadian common-law degree. Candidates must then complete the 12-month Law Society Admission Program, which includes nine months of articles and the Law Society’s 10-week professional legal training course. Lawyers from other jurisdictions can apply to transfer to B.C.; examinations may be required.

Administering organization: LSBC (lawsociety.bc.ca)

Management

CIM (certified in management), C.Mgr. (chartered manager)

Requirements for CIM: CIM membership in good standing. Two years’ proven and recognized Canadian management/administration experience. Completion of certificate in management and administration or graduation from accredited program. The certificate in management and administration program involves completion (minimum grade of 60%) of eight-subject study: six mandatory and two option courses.

Requirements for C.Mgr.: There are three paths. (1) Graduate degree – master’s degree or doctorate in management, commerce or business administration from an Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) institution or CIM-approved non-AUCC institution; two years’ experience in senior managerial, academic or research position.

(2) Undergraduate degree – bachelor’s degree in management, commerce or business administration from an AUCC institution or CIM-approved non-AUCC; submission of 25,000-word graduate-level research paper on a managerial or business administration topic reflecting the applicant’s research or industry interests or submission of substantial portfolio of work demonstrating application of managerial principles; four years’ managerial, academic or research experience.

(3) Non-degree – eight-course CIM certificate in management and administration studies or equivalent; 12 additional pre-approved non-introductory courses reflecting a continuation of the concepts covered by the CIM certificate in management and administration studies (or equivalent); submission of 25,000-word graduate-level research paper on a managerial or business administration topic reflecting the applicant’s research or industry interests or submission of substantial portfolio of work demonstrating application of managerial principles; six years’ senior managerial, academic or research experience; comprehensive examination (at discretion of C.Mgr. committee). There are additional requirements for all paths, including reference letters, a detailed CV and official transcripts. Administering organization: Canadian Institute of Management (cim.ca)

CMC (certified management consultant)

Requirements: Minimum undergraduate degree or a CA, CGA, CMA, CPA or P.Eng. designation. Membership in the Canadian Association of Management Consultants (CMC-Canada). Completion and signature of declaration serving as bond to abide by the association’s Uniform Code of Professional Conduct. For entry stream, at least three years’ experience in management consulting. Candidates must each find two current CMCs in Canada to sponsor them and attest to their experience in management consulting. Completion of required courses of study, written descriptions of three consulting assignments and a structured interview, and references from three clients.

Note: Qualifications are also available in experienced stream, executive stream and approved MBA and continuing education stream.

Administering organization: CMC-Canada (cmccanada.ca) through affiliate institutes.

Payroll

PCP (payroll compliance practitioner)

Description: The PCP certification is the foundation for a career in payroll. It provides candidates with the legislative content required to keep an organization compliant throughout the annual payroll cycle, effectively communicate payroll information to all stakeholders and understand the accounting function as it relates to payroll.

Requirements: Four courses including payroll compliance legislation, payroll fundamentals 1, introduction to accounting, and payroll fundamentals 2. Ongoing requirements: 14 hours of continuing professional education credits earned annually.

Administering organization: National Payroll Institute (payroll.ca)

CPM (certified payroll manager)

Description: The CPM certification builds on the PCP knowledge and at least two years of payroll compliance experience to develop payroll management skills. It provides the core management subjects and competencies required to manage a payroll department, such as decision-making, managing people, project management, organizational policy and strategy development. PCP certification is a prerequisite for this program.

Requirements: Each student must submit an application form and receive approval from the CPA prior to enrolling in the Introduction to Payroll Management course. Students must have at least two years of experience being responsible for an organization’s payroll, which includes being accountable to management for the accuracy of employees’ pay and all government statutory remittances, or equivalent experience, obtained in the past five years. The CPM program involves five courses: Introduction to payroll management, organizational behaviour management, managerial accounting, compensation and benefits management, and applied payroll management.

Ongoing requirements: Membership in NPI, adherence to CPA’s code of professional conduct, 21 hours’ continuing professional education credits earned.

Administering organization: National Payroll Institute (payroll.ca)

Project Management

PMP (project management professional)

Description: Recognizes demonstrated knowledge and skill in leading and directing project teams and delivering results within schedule, budget and resources.

Requirements: For candidate with high school diploma or global equivalent, five years’ project management experience and 35 hours’ project management education. For candidate with bachelor’s degree or global equivalent, three years’ project management experience and 35 hours’ project management education. For all candidates: four-hour, 200-question multiple-choice exam.

Ongoing requirements: 60 professional development units (PDUs) within three-year cycle.

Administering organization: PMI (pmi.org).

CAPM (certified associate in project management)

Description: Recognizes understanding of fundamental knowledge, processes and terminology, as defined in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge.

Requirements: For candidate with high school diploma or global equivalent, 1,500 hours of project management experience or 23 hours of project management education. Three-hour, 150-question multiple-choice exam.

Ongoing requirements: PDUs not required for CAPM certification holders; instead, there is a re-exam before the end of the five-year certification cycle.

Administering organization: PMI (pmi.org)

PfMP (portfolio management professional)

Description: For portfolio managers looking to demonstrate a proven ability to manage and align a portfolio of projects and programs to realize organizational strategy and objectives; increase their visibility and value with their organization; and separate themselves in the eyes of employers.

Requirements: Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent) with at least seven years (10,500 hours) of portfolio management experience within the past 15 consecutive years; or four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or the global equivalent) with at least four years (6,000 hours) of portfolio management experience within the past 15 consecutive years. All applicants must possess a minimum of eight years (96 months) of professional business experience.

Administering organization: PMI (pmi.org)

PgMP (program management professional)

Description: Recognizes demonstrated experience, skill and performance in oversight of multiple, related projects aligned with an organizational strategy.

Requirements: For candidate with high school diploma or global equivalent, four years’ project management experience, seven years’ program management experience. For candidate with bachelor’s degree or global equivalent, four years’ project management experience, four years’ program management experience. For all candidates: passing of panel review on application, multiple-choice exam, multi-rater assessment.

Ongoing requirements: 60 PDUs, to be earned in three-year cycle.

Administering organization: PMI (pmi.org).

PMI-ACP (PMI agile certified practitioner)

Description: Recognizes professionalism in agile practices of project management.

Requirements: For general project experience, 2,000 hours’ general project management experience earned within the last five years; for agile project experience, 1,500 hours’ agile project management experience earned within the last three years, in addition to the 2,000 general project experience hours; 21 hours’ education accrued in agile project management topics; 120-question exam. Holders of PMP and/or PgMP credentials are already verified to have exceeded the experience requirements.

Ongoing requirements: 30 PDUs/three continuing education units every three years in agile project management.

Administering organization: PMI (pmi.org)

PMI-PBA (PMI professional in business analysis)

Description: Highlights and validates expertise in business analysis.

Requirements: Secondary degree (high school diploma or global equivalent), up to five years (7,500 hours) of business analysis experience earned in the past eight years, 2,000 hours of experience working on project teams and 35 contact hours earned in business analysis practice.

Ongoing requirements: At least 60 PDUs, to be earned in three-year cycle.

Administering organization: PMI (pmi.org)

PMI-RMP (PMI risk management professional)

Description: Recognizes demonstrated knowledge and expertise in specialized area of assessing and identifying project risks while mitigating threats and capitalizing on opportunities.

Requirements: For candidate with high school diploma or global equivalent, 4,500 hours’ project risk management experience and 40 hours’ project risk management education. For candidate with bachelor’s degree or global equivalent, 3,000 hours’ project risk management experience and 30 hours’ project risk management education. For all candidates: 170-question multiple-choice exam.

Ongoing requirements: 60 PDUs to be earned in three-year cycle.

Administering organization: PMI (pmi.org).

PMI-SP (PMI scheduling professional)

Description: Recognizes demonstrated knowledge and advanced expertise in specialized area of developing and maintaining project schedules.

Requirements: For candidate with high school diploma or global equivalent, 5,000 hours’ project scheduling experience and 40 hours’ project scheduling education. For candidate with bachelor’s degree or global equivalent, 3,500 hours’ project scheduling experience and 30 hours’ project scheduling education. For all candidates: 170-question multiple-choice exam. Ongoing requirements: 60 PDUs to be earned in three-year cycle.

Administering organization: PMI (pmi.org)

Real Estate

AACI (accredited appraiser Canadian Institute), CRA (Canadian residential appraiser)

Description: The Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) grants two designations. AACI designates fully accredited membership and may be used by the holder in connection with appraisal of a wide range of properties. CRA designates a member qualified in appraisal and valuation of individual undeveloped residential dwelling sites and dwellings containing not more than four self-contained family housing units. The designations identify highly qualified persons who have completed AIC’s rigorous education, experience and examination requirements.

Requirements: Designation comprises a universitylevel program administered by the University of British Columbia as the partner of AIC BC; experience under mentorship of a member of the institute; a written exam; an oral exam; AIC’s mandatory professional practice seminar; and the introductory We Value Canada online workshop.

Administering organization: AIC BC (aicanada.ca/ province-british-columbia/british-columbia).

Professional Designations

RI (Real Estate Institute designation)

Description: An RI designation recognizes the achievement of rigorous standards of education and experience that guarantee a high standard of real estate knowledge.

Requirements: University of British Columbia –bachelor of commerce with a major in urban land economics, urban land economics diploma, bachelor of business in real estate, postgraduate certificate in real property valuation. British Columbia Institute of Technology – marketing management (professional real estate option) diploma. University of Guelph – real estate and housing major in the bachelor of commerce program. Ryerson University – School of Business Management, real estate management major.

Administering organization: Real Estate Institute of BC (reibc.org)

RPA (real property administrator), FMA (facilities management administrator)

Description: An RPA designation program is for property managers and teaches all aspects of operating a commercial building. The FMA designation is for facility managers.

Requirements: Mandatory and elective courses. Professional experience is necessary to complete the qualification process.

Administering organization: BOMI Education Canada (bomicanada.ca)

Sales And Marketing

CSP (certified sales professional), CSA (certified sales associate), CSL (certified sales leader)

Requirements: College diploma plus 35 hours of recognized professional development in sales aligned to the Canadian Professional Sales Association (CPSA) professional sales competencies; minimum four years of verified experience independently managing client accounts and meeting or exceeding targets.

Ongoing requirements: A membership in good standing with CPSA.

Administering organization: CPSA Sales Association (cpsa.com)

CRSA (certified retail sales associate), CFLM (certified retail first-level manager)

Description of CRSA: Helps sales associates become expert in all aspects of retail sales. Participants build solid career foundations and gain industry-specific credential that major retailers recognize countrywide.

Requirements for CRSA: Retail sales associate course, multiple-choice exam, in-store evaluation conducted by the corporate research group, 600 hours as retail sales associate.

Description of CFLM: Allows first-level managers to build business skills of professionalism, communication, leadership, human resources, operations, marketing, sales, customer service, administration and planning.

Requirements for CFLM: First-level manager course, multiple-choice exam, telephone interview by the corporate research group, 1,500 hours or one year on-the-job experience in retail.

Administering organization: Retail Council of Canada (retailcouncil.org)

SCPS (SMEI certified professional salesperson), CSE (certified sales executive), CME (certified marketing executive), SCPM (SMEI certified professional marketer)

Description: SMEI Inc., with support of its local chapter, SMEI Vancouver, offers these four designations.

Requirements: Appropriate education and experience. Preparation for certification exams available through self-study and other options, including professional courses offered through the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business.

Administering organization: Sales and Marketing Executives International Inc. – SMEI Vancouver (smei.org)

SUPPLY CHAIN

Management

APICS CSCP (APICS certified supply chain professional)

Description: Provides professionals with the knowledge necessary for understanding and managing integration and co-ordination of end-to-end supply chain activities. System is self-directed but can combine with instructor-led courses for students preferring classrooms.

Requirements: A conferred bachelor’s degree or equivalent; or APICS CPIM, APICS CFPIM, APICS CIRM, APICS SCOR-P, APICS CTL, CPM, CPSM or CSM designation; or at least three years of related business experience. Four-hour exam consisting of 175 multiplechoice questions.

Ongoing requirements: Must earn a total of 75 professional development points within five years of receiving designation.

Administering organization: Association for Supply Chain Management (ascm.org)

APICS CPIM (APICS certified in planning and inventory management)

Description: Looks in depth at production and inventory activities within internal operations of companies. Focuses primarily on manufacturing. Provides in-depth view of materials management, master scheduling, production planning, forecasting and quality improvement.

Requirements: Passing of five exams on basics of supply chain management, master planning of resources, detailed scheduling and planning, execution and control of operations, and strategic management of resources. APICS certification review courses and study aids help prepare candidates for exams and are available through British Columbia Institute of Technology parttime studies or online.

Ongoing requirements: Must earn a total of 75 professional development points within five years of receiving designation.

Administering organization: Association for Supply Chain Management (ascm.org)

APICS CLTD (APICS certified in logistics, transportation and distribution)

Description: Covers a comprehensive body of knowledge that sets the global standard for best practices in logistics, transportation and distribution.

Requirements: Three years of related business experience or bachelor’s degree or the international equivalent or CPIM, CSCP, CTL, CFPIM, CIRM, SCOR-P, CPM, CSM or CPSM designations. An eight-module program with an exam that reflects critical areas in logistics, transportation and distribution for the roles and responsibilities of logistics managers. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (130 operational and 20 pretest).

Administering organization: Association for Supply Chain Management (ascm.org)

CCLP (CITT-Certified logistics professional)

Requirements: Candidates who already have a university or college degree or diploma in a business discipline can simply apply for advanced standing toward the CCLP designation. Candidates must have at least five years of experience working in a supply chain or logistics function and successfully complete the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation’s (CITT) five-course suite of expert-level, specialized logistics courses, including three core courses plus two electives (online options available).

Administering organization: CITT (citt.ca).

SCMP (supply chain management professional)

Description: The SCMP designation is the mark of strategic leadership in supply chain management (SCM). An SCMP’s adherence to a code of ethics ensures the highest level of integrity. With procurement, operations, logistics and all areas of SCM playing increasingly important roles in organizations, employers benefit from the SCMP’s unique and distinctive competence. Offered through Supply Chain Management Association – the largest association in Canada for SCM professionals – and taught by distinguished academics and senior practitioners, the SCMP designation program is designed to be taken over 36 months concurrent with full-time employment. In-class and online formats available.

Requirements: Business degree or diploma from a public Canadian university, college or technical institution. Other candidates must complete specific business management courses at post-secondary institutions. Successful completion of eight modules covering foundations of SCM and six interactive workshops addressing high-level business skills, including SCM; leadership and professionalism; procurement and supply management; negotiation skills; logistics and transportation; communications and relational skills; operations and process management; knowledge management; competitive bidding; contract preparation and contract management; global sourcing; risk management; SCM in the public sector; SCM for services, capital goods and major projects; ethical behaviour and social responsibility. Weeklong session in residence integrates knowledge from the modules and workshops. Program includes a final written examination and a minimum of three years’ progressive SCM experience concurrent with the program. Ongoing requirements: Minimum 30 maintenance credits on a three-year block period. Administering organization: Supply Chain Canada (supplychaincanada.com).

P.Log. (professional logistician), LS (logistics specialist)

Description of P.Log.: This internationally recognized certification for professionals in logistics certifies competence as global supply chain leaders. Depending on where you are in your career and what the company needs to succeed, there are two different options to earn the P.Log. designation: a leadership program or a process management program.

Description of LS: For logisticians working in tactical and supervisory careers who are looking for certification to create the foundation for a successful career in logistics. The Logistics Foundation program consists of core modules in the Essential Series, Frontline Logistics and Integrated Logistics Networks. The program will be completely online with the use of a learning management system. Estimated time to complete the program is one to three months.

Administering organization: The Logistics Institute (loginstitute.ca).

Technology

AScT (applied science technologist), CTech (certified technician)

Description: The Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) registers technologists, technicians and technical specialists in applied science and engineering technologies. AScT and CTech are two of numerous credentials available to technology professionals registered with ASTTBC.

Requirements for AScT: Diploma of technology in an applied science and engineering technology program that meets academic requirements for registration in one of 16 applied science technology disciplines in which ASTTBC currently certifies practitioners. Completion of two years’ experience in field of practice in which certification is sought. Experience must be reasonably current, progressive, accumulated and relevant to an approved discipline and supported by references.

Requirements for CTech: Certificate of technology in an applied science and engineering technology program that meets academic requirements for registration in one of 16 applied science technology disciplines in which ASTTBC currently certifies practitioners. Applicant may also demonstrate equivalent outcome competencies to national technology standards. Completion of two years’ experience in field of practice in which certification is sought. Experience must be reasonably current, progressive, accumulated and relevant to an approved discipline and supported by references.

Administering organization: ASTTBC (asttbc.org).

ISP (information systems professional), ITCP (information technology certified professional)

Description of ISP: Demonstrates knowledge and technical background in IT. Visit cips.ca/isp.

Description of ITCP: Directed specifically for senior IT practitioners and academics who want to demonstrate that in addition to possessing IT knowledge, they understand how to use and apply organizational experience effectively to achieve goals and expectations. The ITCP standard has been accredited by the International Professional Practice Partnership (IP3), and ITCP holders are internationally recognized under the IP3 umbrella. Visit cips.ca/itcp.

Requirements: Documented evidence of ability to meet or exceed established criteria for academic qualifications and relevant experience. Experience must be in role requiring use of significant level of IT knowledge where high level of independent judgment and responsibility is exercised.

Administering organization: CIPS – Canada’s Association of IT Professionals (cips.ca)

Tourism

CTC (certified travel counsellor), CTM (certified travel manager)

Description of CTC: A professional credential based on ability to perform the knowledge and performance tasks required for meeting expectations for employment within the travel industry.

Requirements for CTC: Enrolment, passing of 125-question knowledge exam, minimum 1,800 hours’ recent and relevant work experience and completion of performance checklist and performance evaluation. Annual membership with ACTA.

Description of CTM: Certification demonstrates competence in meeting job standards set by travel industry.

Requirements for CTM: Enrolment, passing of knowledge exam, completion of performance evaluation (case-study activities) and five years’ related industry experience (minimum three years’ applicable travel trade experience and two years’ proven supervisory or managerial experience). Annual membership with ACTA. Certification steps must be completed within six months of enrolment.

Administering organization: Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (acta.ca).

WORKPLACE LEARNING AND PERFORMANCE; TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

CTP (certified training practitioner), CTDP (certified training and development professional)

Description: CTP and CTDP are national standards for excellence in workplace learning and performance, stressing the roles of learning and training in today’s organizations.

Prerequisites: For CTP, two years’ part-time experience in instruction/facilitation; for CTDP, four years’ full-time work experience in the field.

Requirements for CTP: Knowledge exam on theories and principles of adult learning and facilitation and instruction. Submission of facilitation video or participation in live skill demonstration. Two references validating skill in facilitation.

Requirements for CTDP: Knowledge exam on theory and principles of assessing performance needs, designing training, facilitating training, supporting transfer of learning, and evaluating training. Submission of work project or participation in live skill demonstration in one of three competencies. Two professional references.

Administering organization: The Institute for Performance and Learning (performanceandlearning.ca)